Stem Cell Treatment Overviews
The Stem Cell Institute is committed to developing and administering effective adult stem cell treatments based on sound scientific rationale and over 5 years of clinical experience (since 2006).
Our laboratory, Medistem Panama, Inc., operates an 8000 sq. ft. GMP and GLP compliant laboratory that features 3 class 10000 clean rooms, 8 class 100 laminar flow hoods, and 12 class 100 incubators.
| Laboratory Tour: Medistem Labs, Panama |
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All patients who come to the Stem Cell Institute for treatment are invited to attend a guided tour of our laboratory facilities. This tour is conducted each week by the Laboratory Manager.
For more information about disease-specific stem cell treatment protocols, please follow these links:
- • Autism
- • Multiple Sclerosis
- • Spinal Cord Injury
- • Osteoarthritis
- • Rheumatoid Arthritis
- • Cerebral Palsy
- • Heart Disease
- • Other Autoimmune Diseases
Stem Cell Sources
Because we have all three major adult stem cells sources at our disposal, including the ability to expand cells into larger numbers when indicated, we can select optimal stem cell combinations for each disease and, if necessary, each individual we treat.
Autologous adipose-derived (fat) stem cells – the richest source of mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, adipose-derived cells are ideally suited for treating systemic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. They also play a significant role in regenerating injured tissue. Adipose tissue also contains T-regulatory cells which modulate the immune system.
Why does adipose stem cell treatment take more than one week? – Intravenously administered adipose-derived stem cells will tend to migrate back to the fresh wound site if it is not given an adequate time to heal. Therefore, it is essential to allow about one week after the mini-liposuction before administering any stem cells intravenously. Otherwise, there is a high likelihood that the treatment will not be effective. Additionally, it takes 5 five days to thoroughly test the adipose cell samples for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In order to ensure that no patient receives an infected sample, at least 5 days must transpire before the cells can be confirmed safe and injected back into the patient.
Allogeneic human umbilical cord matrix- and cord blood-derived stem cells (HUBC) – a balanced source of the most potent CD34+ (blood forming) and MSCs. HUBC-derived cells are best suited for tissue regeneration due to the synergistic effect of CD34+ cells’ revascularization characteristics in concert with the tissue repairing function of the mesenchymal stem cells.
Autologous (the patient’s own) bone marrow-derived stem cells – a good source of CD34+ stem cells (but a poor source of mesenchymal stem cells) bone marrow-derived stem cells provide support for tissue regeneration via revascularization properties and their ability to support mesenchymal stem cells in the body.
| Adult Stem Cell Therapy Clinical Advances Jorge Paz M.D., Medical Director, Stem Cell Institute |
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Stem Cell Collection
The stem cells are collected three ways:
Adipose tissue collection – Each patient’s fat tissue is collected via mini-liposuction. This procedure is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in a hospital setting under light general anesthesia. The surgeon will determine the most appropriate location(s) to perform the incision(s) for the required fat tissue extraction. The procedure typically take about an hour.
One of the most frequently used areas are the commonly referred as “love handles”. After the procedure, patients are observed for one hour in the post-op recovery room and then an additional 1 to 2 hours in another recovery room.
Pain medication is prescribed for those who need it. Most patients require very little medication.
Bone marrow collection – Each patient’s own bone marrow is collected by withdrawal into syringes that are inserted through the skin on the back and into the hip bones. This procedure is performed by an experienced hematologist with an anesthesiologist in a hospital operating room under light general anesthesia. Bone marrow collection typically takes about 1.5 hours.
Bone marrow collection is quite safe and most patients do not find it to be painful – during or after the procedure.
Umbilical cord blood and matrix collection – We receive cord donations from healthy women in Panama. Our donors sign a consent form, fill out a detailed questionnaire, and give a blood sample. The mothers’ blood and the cord blood undergo extensive testing for HIV, STD’s, hepatitis, etc. Once we ensure the cords are free of all infectious diseases and 100% safe we process the blood and extract the stem cells.
Stem Cell Implantation
At The Stem Cell Institute, stem cells are implanted four ways:
Intrathecal (lumbar puncture) – Intrathecal administration is ideal for neurological conditions because the stem cells are injected directly into the spinal fluid past the blood-brain barrier. This enables them to reach the spinal cord and brain.
During the lumbar puncture procedure, an experienced anesthesiologist injects the stem cells into the spinal canal through the lower vertebrae under local anesthesia. All lumbar puncture procedures are performed in a positive airflow room under sterile conditions. Once inside the spinal fluid, the stem cells are able to gain access to the spinal cord and into the brain.
Lumbar puncture usually takes about 30 minutes.
Intravenous (IV) – The safest and simplest method for delivering the stem cell throughout the body. Anesthesia is not required but light anesthesia can be administered if necessary.
IV administration usually takes about 20 – 30 minutes.
Intra-articular (into the joint) – The stem cells are injected directly into the affected joint by a This method is commonly used for arthritis. Intra-articular implantation is quite safe and does not require anesthesia.
Intramuscular – The stem cells are injected directly into the muscle. Intramuscular implantation is very safe and does not require anesthesia.
All treatments are performed by Medical Doctors.
APPLY FOR TREATMENT TODAY:
To find out if you are eligible or to apply for stem cell treatment, please complete this Patient Application Form.
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For more information about stem cell treatments at the Stem Cell Institute, please Contact Us.